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[Eric]

Hey I’m looking to change my domain name for my current website, and after scouring the forum I saw a few recommendations on how to do this, however I’d just like to double check with you guys first, just to make sure that I make the right choice.

Just so you understand my situation, I won’t be changing hosting providers, only the domain name. I’m running a child theme and I’ve made several modifications to the PHP, the stylesheet, as well as the CSS. I’ve also done a lot of custom work using cornerstone, and I have a few saved templates that I want to keep. So basically I’m trying to figure out a way to change domains without having it affect my website in any way. If possible I would like to simply swap out one domain for another, with everything else remaining intact. I’m also not great at this stuff so the simplest option would also be ideal.

Now from what I’ve seen, one option is to revoke the API and generate a new API. Or another option is to use a plugin, such as ‘all in one migration’, or perhaps WP Migrate DB, Backup Buddy, Duplicator, WP Clone, etc. I’m not 100% sure what the process is for either of these options, but I was just wondering what you think would be best for my situation, be it option one, two, or any other option that you might know of.

Please let me know and thanks again for all your great help.

[Eric]

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[Eric]

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[Darshana]

Hi there,

Thanks for writing in! The best way would be to migrate your site properly as in this guide (https://community.theme.co/kb/cornerstone-migration/). It’s true that you’re not changing hosting providers, but you can’t simply change domain names or URLs in the WordPress for example (example.com to example.org). Just changing URLs could result other issues.

Thanks!

[Eric]

Hey thanks for the reply. I read the tutorial (and several others), however I just wanted to clarify a few things before making any changes that could potentially damage my website.

My first question, has to do with this statement in the tutorial: ‘Before we go any further, make sure you have a new WordPress site setup that you want to migrate to, remember this article only covers migrating Cornerstone, it doesn’t cover migrating your customizer settings, migrating files and images or migrating any other type of content.’

In my case, I changed a lot of customizer settings, and I made some modifications to the PHP and the stylesheet as well, so if I were to simply export and import my website using WP Migrate DB (or All-in-One WP Migration, which is what I currently have installed), would that back up everything? Or would I run the risk of losing some of the custom work that I did?

I really don’t want to screw anything up so a detailed response would very much be appreciated.

Thanks

[Joao]

Hi There,

Use All in One Migration, it is super easy.

Go to your site > All In One Migration > Export your site.

Go to your new wp installation > All In One Migration > Import

To be extra sure, install better search and replace and search the old domain and replace for the new domain.

Hope it helps

Joao

[Eric]

Okay so I exported my website to a file on my computer, but now when you say ‘go to your new wp installation’ what exactly do you mean? I only have one website with wordpress, so would I have to delete/replace my current website through my hosting company, and then upload the saved file? And if so, would all my other plugins, customizations, etc., get saved?

Sorry for all the questions, I just really want to make sure that I don’t screw anything up. If you can explain a little more clearly I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks!

[Joao]

Hi There

Sorry for the confusion, if you are just changing domains and not changing hosting providers.

1- That is great you exported your website, so now you have it backed up in case anything goes wrong.

2- You need to talk to your hosting provider to check if it is possible to change the domain on their end.

3- Once the domain is changed you have to run better search and replace and that will replace the urls on your database.

Have a chat with your hosting service and let us know if you need further assistance.

Joao

[Eric]

Hey thanks for the quick reply.

I spoke to my hosting provider and they told me what I need to do is backup/export my website (which I have done). Then I’ll basically delete my domain/website on their end, then I’ll need to create a new website with my new domain, then I’ll 1-click install wordpress there. Then I would download ‘All-in-one WP migration’ and I would then import my downloaded file, which should completely restore my old website.

The only thing they weren’t sure about is what will happen in terms of all my theme settings/customizations. They believed that it should all get exported/imported with all-in-one WP migration, but they told me to double check with you guys just to make sure. From what I understand, everything from the dashboard, which includes my plugins, my plugin settings, my PHP modifications, CSS modifications, and any modifications to my stylesheet should all get transferred over successfully. Is that correct?

Another thing I’m not sure about, is when you say to run the ‘better search and replace’ plugin that will replace the urls on my database, when am I supposed to do that? Before I delete/replace my website or after? Also just so I understand, what exactly does that do? I was under the impression that all my links should adjust automatically, but perhaps I was wrong.

Also, final question, in terms of my themeco license, since it’s currently registered with my old domain, will I encounter any issues when importing my website to the new domain? I just want to make sure there won’t be any issues with that.

If you can let me know what you think and provide guidance that would be greatly appreciated.

And thank you again for all your help.

[Joao]

Hi There,

That is what i thought.

Once you import your website with ALL IN ONE Migration all your things will be imported including theme and customizations.

All in One Migration actually update your urls, but I reccomend using better search and replace after to make sure.

Regarding your themeco license.

Before deleting your installtion, please revoke your license on your addons tab.

Than go to https://community.theme.co/my-account/ and revoke your old url and add a new one.

Once you import your website you will be able to go to Addons again and re-ssign your license number

Hope that helps

Joao

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